Christmas has almost arrived! The tree is up, the fairy lights are casting a twinkly glow over the lounge and my collection of red and white decorations are arranged on the tree...

...gingham bows...nordic style wooden decorations...ah just lovely!

...a new addition to the tree this year was this gorgeous metal christmas tree...

...Also I was very lucky to be given some corkscrew hazel a few weeks ago! I've been lusting after some branches for some time now. Last weekend I got round to arranging a few of the branches in a big glass vase and added some lovely clear stars that I found stashed away in my decorations box.

I love it so much I want to keep it up all year round!

I think that it really adds something to the room. I had better get my thinking cap on...I wonder how I will decorate these gorgeous branches during the year?!

...It's not long now until Christmas day...I've taken some time over the past few days to leisurely wrap gifts, make a Christmas card, finish knitting a scarf and chill out. I've been snuggled up on the sofa with a yummy mug of hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows while watching some Christmas films...one of my favourites is 'The Holiday'...well mainly because I'd love to have a little place like Iris's cottage...

I've almost finished my Christmas cross stitch but probably wont get it framed in time, I think I'll just leave it in the embroidery hoop for the time being...

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! I'm looking forward to the new year and plenty of new projects to get stuck into throughout 2012!